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Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.
Linux May Soon Get PC Game Pass via Open-Source Project
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Linux May Soon Get PC Game Pass via Open-Source Project

Xbox has reduced the pricing of its Game Pass offering, attracting interest from open-source developers, particularly those working on the Heroic Games Launcher. A new open-source project called Xodus aims to bring PC Game Pass games to Linux and macOS by utilizing Valve's Proton and custom runtimes. Previously, Linux gamers had limited access to Game Pass titles, mainly through Xbox Cloud streaming, which faced latency issues. Xodus plans to support third-party launchers like Heroic, Lutris, and Bottles, allowing users to install and launch games via Steam. The development team has made progress in authorization and game downloads and is now focusing on game SDK development to ensure effective gameplay on Linux.
Aptoide Returns To Google Play In The US
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Aptoide Returns To Google Play In The US

Aptoide has returned to Google Play in the U.S. after more than a decade, becoming the first alternative Android app store to benefit from recent court-ordered changes promoting competition within the Play Store. Aptoide, based in Portugal, is one of the largest Android marketplaces outside of Google Play, with over 40,000 apps and around 25 million monthly active users, making the U.S. its largest market. This return allows Aptoide to leverage familiar user behaviors for app installation, enhancing its competitiveness, particularly in the gaming sector. The change follows a ruling in the Epic Games lawsuit against Google, which found anticompetitive practices in the Android app ecosystem. Since June 22, 2026, Google has allowed third-party app stores access to its app catalog through the Play Catalog Access Program, facilitating the installation of alternative stores and creating new opportunities for developers and publishers in the U.S. market.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

Marvel Rivals hits the Ozempic, comes back 40 GB lighter

Marvel Rivals has reduced its file size by approximately 40 GB for PC users as part of an "Optimized texture resource compression strategy across all platforms." Creative director Guangyun Chen stated that a massive texture compression overhaul is being implemented in season 9.5 without sacrificing visual quality. Helldivers 2 also reduced its file size from around 154 GB to approximately 23 GB by eliminating redundant data. The trend towards efficient data management in gaming is evident, especially as SSD prices rise.
Fixing Windows 11 now does not excuse letting it become a mess for decades
Winsage
August 10, 2026

Fixing Windows 11 now does not excuse letting it become a mess for decades

Windows 11 is undergoing enhancements, with many features currently exclusive to Windows Insiders and still in the mockup phase. Microsoft is overhauling the Windows 11 interface, integrating WinUI into components like the Start menu and File Explorer. Windows Insider participants must update their systems to a new build by August 11, 2026, to avoid expiration of builds and ensure automatic updates. Lenovo's latest BIOS update for the Legion Go gaming handheld has made some devices inoperable, prompting users to avoid the update. The modernization of Windows has been criticized for not being prioritized earlier, despite significant user feedback. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is currently in short supply, and the Dell XPS 14 has a price reduction of 0.
Dell is blaming Microsoft's Windows 11 updates for a bug that broke 245+ PC models, but it's all good now
Winsage
August 9, 2026

Dell is blaming Microsoft’s Windows 11 updates for a bug that broke 245+ PC models, but it’s all good now

Recent updates to Windows 11 have caused issues for users of Dell PCs, resulting in shutdowns, performance degradation, and overheating. Dell has released a list of approximately 245 affected models, including Alienware systems. Microsoft deployed an out-of-band update (KB5121767) to address these issues, which stemmed from an incompatibility between the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver and the Windows USB-C Connection Manager. Affected devices could experience significant performance setbacks, unexpected shutdowns, increased heat output, and battery drain. Users are advised to install specific builds to avoid these problems, as rolling back the update is not an option. Microsoft is also working on improving driver quality through a new Driver Quality Initiative.
Windows 11 users were right about Modern Standby, and Microsoft is fixing it with hibernation
Winsage
August 9, 2026

Windows 11 users were right about Modern Standby, and Microsoft is fixing it with hibernation

A new adaptive hibernate policy has been introduced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28120.2630, released on July 31, which adjusts hibernation behavior based on battery level to improve power management. If the battery is above 80%, the system avoids hibernation for quicker resumes, while it hibernates sooner when the battery drops below 10% to conserve power. This policy aims to enhance battery longevity and reduce overnight battery drain associated with the Modern Standby feature. Microsoft has also implemented a Driver Quality Initiative to evaluate third-party drivers for their impact on power management, addressing issues that can lead to excessive battery drain.
Blocky zombie survival sim Unturned releases its source code so players can build a 'lasting legacy' for the game 'regardless of the changes we make'
AppWizard
August 8, 2026

Blocky zombie survival sim Unturned releases its source code so players can build a ‘lasting legacy’ for the game ‘regardless of the changes we make’

Smartly Dressed Games has released the source code for their free-to-play zombie survival simulator, Unturned, for non-commercial use, encouraging community creativity. They emphasized the importance of their passionate community and hope to empower players to expand the game. Modifications must be non-commercial and free for players, with some code elements excluded due to licensing restrictions. Unturned is not classified as open source, and the developers aim to re-license the U3 SDK under the MIT License in the future. Unturned was created by Nelson Sexton and entered Steam early access in 2014, reaching full release in 2017. A significant update in April expanded the game's California map and introduced over 100 new quests.
Hackers use fake Adobe and Zoom updates to load malware onto victim devices — here's what to look out for
Tech Optimizer
August 8, 2026

Hackers use fake Adobe and Zoom updates to load malware onto victim devices — here’s what to look out for

Securonix Threat Research has identified a cyber campaign called SMOKE#SCREEN that uses deceptive tactics to trick users into installing weaponized versions of ScreenConnect, a legitimate remote monitoring software. The attackers disguise their malicious intent with fake update notifications for applications like Zoom and Adobe, as well as counterfeit business documents. This campaign allows attackers to gain persistent remote access to victims' systems, disable security protections, and exploit trusted services like Dropbox and Cloudflare for delivering malicious payloads. Victims have been reported on both Windows and macOS platforms. Businesses are advised to verify updates through official channels and train staff on the risks of unexpected software installations.
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